This prestigious award, one of the most relevant in the field of sustainable construction, placed special emphasis on comprehensive rehabilitation and sustainable recovery processes. Notably, three out of the five winning projects focused on refurbishment, underscoring the growing importance of reuse and regeneration in architectural excellence.
Madrid takes the spotlight
The Holcim Gold Award for Europe was awarded to Madrid, specifically to the future headquarters of the Fundación Carasso. The project preserves 95% of the original industrial structure and envisions a multifunctional hub built on a holistic, 360º co-design approach. Key highlights include circular resource and material strategies and the promotion of urban biodiversity.
Among its standout sustainable design features:
- A green façade and seasonal nature-integrated spaces.
- Use of biomaterials.
- Renewable energy-based HVAC systems using geothermal and solar power, shared with the local community.
- Rainwater harvesting and reuse systems
The building is also designed to host sustainable food production and community art events—delivering sustainability through form, function, and purpose, in line with the Foundation’s mission to support sustainable food systems and the arts.
Global Success Stories in Sustainable Design
Beyond Europe, other award-winning projects illustrate diverse approaches to sustainability:
- Asia: The Tulou project in Fujian, China, focuses on heritage preservation by restoring a traditional earthen building, reusing local materials, and reinforcing iconic structural elements.
- Latin America: In Mexico City, the Utopía Estrella Iztapalapa project transforms a former landfill into a space for culture, education, and social inclusion.
- Africa: In Ghana, the Surf Ghana Collective reimagined an existing structure into a community center for youth empowerment and responsible tourism, showcasing the social dimension of sustainability.
- North America: Victory Park Ave in Toronto stood out for its modular housing solution, which combines high-tech design, affordability, and net-zero performance—offering a scalable response to urban housing challenges.
Since 2004, the Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction have been a global reference for innovation in the built environment. They aim to transform the real estate sector by highlighting leading-edge projects and accelerating sustainable development.
MIMEISA Commitment to Sustainable Impact
At MIMEISA, sustainability is not just a goal—it’s a driving force behind all we do. We work to generate positive social and environmental impact, fully aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the 2030 Agenda.
A recent example of this commitment is the Diagonal Beethoven building in Barcelona, which became the first in the city to earn SmartScore certification. This recognition highlights key criteria such as energy efficiency and smart technology integration—hallmarks of MIMEISA’s sustainable vision. You can explore more about our ESG strategy and sustainable portfolio here.
